Aaron Judge became the first big leaguer with 40 homers this season, smashed a grand slam for No. 41 and robbed a home run in right field as New York rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 11-5 Friday night.
He has eight homers and 19 RBI in nine games since the All-Star break.
Judge and Anthony Rizzo homered early on a rainy night in the Bronx.
SS Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup for a fifth straight game with right hamstring soreness, but Matheny is optimistic Witt will play before the end of the weekend. … 3B Emmanuel Rivera was optioned to Triple-A to make space for Perez.
Royals veteran RHP Zack Greinke (3-6, 4.35), who could be traded before Tuesday’s deadline, will make the start for KC at 1:05.